Activities in the Forest
Cross Country Skiing
Ski classic or freestyle on more than 3 miles of frequently groomed ski trails, or grab your compass and break your own trail. Dogs are welcome too. Even on the ski trails! All maintained trails begin at the trailhead and parking lot.
Snow-shoeing
There is no better way to begin snowshoeing than just going and doing it. Take a risk, rent or buy a pair of snowshoes, dress for the elements and…. enjoy the scenic trails of The Lincoln Community Forest. However, that’s just a start – there is more to it than just taking a refreshing plunge in some snow.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, woodcock and wild turkeys are common large and small game. The north unit of the Lincoln Community Forest, accessible by Gerber Road, has no maintained trails and has fewer visitors. The Forest is enrolled in the Managed Forest Law program (MFL), so MFL rules apply.
Fishing
The Marengo River is a cold-water trout Stream with good numbers of native brook trout, and rainbow trout. You will catch an occasional brown trout too. The Friends of the Lincoln Community Forest and the Wild Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited encourage catch and release. An enormous flood in 2016 scoured the valley floodplain and washed away overhanging vegetation, making casting much easier. Most of the river is not easily accessible. You’ll fish where few ever have.
Hiking
Hike on the maintained logging roads over relatively flat terrain, or add a little challenge by following the marked hiking trail that hugs the ridge overlooking the Marengo River Valley. The short Lake Trail includes a boardwalk across a unique bog to the edge of Mikinaak Lake, a favorite destination. Or grab your compass and explore. All maintained trails begin at the trailhead and parking lot.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is phenomenal because of the diversity of habitats. Young forest and old forest, edges and deep woods, hardwoods and conifers, a small lake, cold water trout stream and flood plain, and wetlands. You will find it all and more. Visitors have recorded nearly 150 species either on the Lincoln Community Forest or nearby.